GALLERY + VIDEO : Madonna seeks partnership with First Lady in Kenya

Pop Icon Madonna has expressed willingness to partner with the First Lady’s Beyond Zero initiative. Madonna will work with Beyond Zero in improving maternal and child health programs as well as initiatives against gender violence.

Madonna met First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, on Monday.

She is in the country to explore programs that have a transformative impact on vulnerable groups, especially women and children. The singer is the founder of several charities and foundations globally, including t ‘Ray of Hope Foundation’. In Africa, she is known for the Raising Malawi organization – a non-governmental organization that supports vulnerable children.

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Madonna described the Beyond Zero initiative as an amazing movement and a natural partner for advocacy, to break the code of silence around gender-based violence through education and awareness building. She gave a moving story of resilience and courage from Mama Sofie whom she met in Kibera and who has overcome many odds while raising 14 children in a 10 by 10 foot room.

Madonna delivered a special message and personal greeting to the First Lady from Mama Sofie.

Madonna’s pledge to work with the First Lady’s Beyond Zero initiative comes only a few days after Melinda Gates, the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation expressed similar interest to partner with the Beyond Zero initiative, to ensure access of quality health for Kenyan women and children.